Makeup Transition for the Summer.

After spending a long weekend in Tampa, I’ve decided to officially switch into my “summer makeup mode,” even though it’s still not super warm here in Chicago.  If you’re a professional woman who uses makeup, then I really recommend switching gears to lighter, brighter hues and products during the hotter months.  Not only do the lighter products keep you feeling refreshed, but softer tones make you look fresh and brighter than if you stick to the same routine throughout the year.  For me the change in routine may seem a little dramatic because I’m a little out of control when it comes to “putting on my face” before work. i.e. I use a ton of products.  And like, the idea of going to work without makeup is not even an idea I can entertain.  I’m just not there yet.

So, many may not be this hard core about it–but Latinas do spend more on cosmetics than other demographics, so I’m betting a few of you are more like me than not.  Regardless of how much you use; here are some suggestions for fresher, brighter, summer faces:

One. Switch from foundation to tinted moisturizer//cc cream.  I love this switch because my face feels more breathable (if that’s a thing) when I don’t wear foundation in the summer.  During the colder months, full coverage isn’t a big deal for me.  But when it starts to get hot and humid the less on my face the better.  A light coverage cc cream or tinted moisturizer still gives me the coverage I want, but feels a lot better.

Two. Go from dark shadows to light creams.  Another fave transition is using light colored creams (melons, beiges, golds) instead of darker shadows.  The lighter colors look more season-appropriate compared to darker taupes, browns, or grays.  They also fit my skin tone better because I almost always get a little darker, and the lighter colors help my new complexion look bright and even. Creams are also a fave because they are easer to apply than shadows so it makes my routine a little bit faster.

Three. Switch from matte and berry lips to glossier pinks. I love using the dark and dreary winter as an excuse to go a little bit darker on the lips (rather than a plain neutral lipstick); likewise, the summer is also an easy excuse to switch to glossier or pinker tones.  The lighter lip just helps bring the rest of the fresher summer face together. The key to not being overwhelmingly bright is to choose a sheer color in a bright tone. This gives a hint of brightness but doesn’t look like you should be at the pool party.

Four. Powder blush to cooling gel. I like using a simple dark berry powder during the winter to bring some color to my face. At the moment, my tan is so noticeable I’m not adding extra color.  But in summers where I don’t have a tan (and once this color fades), I use a gel blush in a lighter/brighter tone than the normal matte, berry color I frequently use.  That’s because the gel is actually cool, which feels nice against the skin, and the brighter color again keeps with the warmer weather pattern.

Now, can these products be used throughout all the seasons?  Of course, but if you’re looking for ways to switch up your look, then changing some key products from subdued to slightly brighter can make a real difference and usually this type of change can look more acceptable in the breezy, hot summer than in other seasons.

How do you change your makeup routine for the new season?